Jessica Scofield Interview

Quite some time ago I was asked by someone if I interviewed powerlifters. I never had, but that's simply because I didn't know any. They told me to reach out to and interview Jessica Scofield. So I looked her up and first thing I said was "she's a powerlifter?" She was this beautiful girl who looked like she could step on a bodybuilding stage and do very well. Through Jessica I have gained more understanding of powerlifting and have come to have a great admiration for her. Jessica has achieved many big things in the sport and will no doubt continue to achieve big things. Very rarely do you come across anyone who has the passion that she has. In this interview you will get to see that passion.

Q: Can you talk about how you got interested in powerlifting?
A: It goes way back. Really I had a couple injuries from throwing the hammer for track and field. I was rehabbing and went and did deadlifts only and it was such a rush and from there it just took off.

Q: Its not considered a sport a lot of women do, did friends and family have trouble understanding why you did it?
A: No, because I always had a girly side to me but I always had an edgy side. I was always strong willed and strong minded. Is tarted with my dad and he saw how much I loved it. My fear was I would be some big burly beast. I felt more comfortable than I would have been doing bodybuilding. So no, my family weren't surprised.

Q: That leads to my next question. People have this perception of female powerlifters as being this big huge women. You break that stereotype, is that important to you?
A: Its extremely important to me. It's helped get me to where I am in terms of my own success in the sport. Its important because I was never the type to follow rules. I like to prove people wrong. At first I thought I would be big and burly. But its just the stuff athletes do in the gym. People that do sports use the weight room as a means to their sport, the weight room is my sport. When I perform I am doing what I already am doing in the gym.

Q: You have accomplished a lot, but is there something you are most proud of?
A: Yeah, my last competition. It was the first time for a lot of things. I was always the girl who didn't want to go over a number with my weight. It was my first competition where I said I was gonna weigh what I weigh. I let myself go a little and gave myself room to breath. I was just a couple pounds over but in a heavier weight class. It was liberating to not be blocked into some weight, coming from someone who used to have an eating disorder. So I can go back and fourth in weight classes. I never thought I could pull a 530LB deadlift that day after ten plus hours of lifting. The fact I kept going, it was like I wasn't there anymore. I am proud of myself for putting in that work, especially after having sinus surgery. I am proud I pushed through.

Q: You mentioned bodybuilding, you have the physique for it. Has it ever crossed your mind?
A: SO many people ask. I just got asked that today. You know what? No! Maybe in the past here and there but I feel like I am myself when I am powerlifting. I can look how I wanna look, its up to me. If I wanna be more cut or tweak my diet, its up to me. I would rather be judged on my strength than have someone look at me or not be politically correct and not get a good placing. Plus I love my sport, I have goals in my sport.

Q: There are a lot of people who are fans of the physique sport, but you have crossed over and even those fans like you, was accomplishing that a goal?
A: I didn't mean to. In some way or another they inspired me. Facebook is this whole new world. I was the type of girl who didn't wanna show my stomach. These competitors were on the Internet more and in some way they inspire me. I am a powerlifter and wanna look good. It gives you a visual of what you like or how you do or don't wanna look. I like being able to cross over and know about both sports. I am big on diet anyway and people who diet and get on stage is a big deal, its not easy.

Q: When you go places such as the Arnold's, while the powerlifters may not normally be as well know to fitness fans, you are known and people want to watch you. Do all those eyes on you make it harder to do what you are doing?
A: No, it actually fuels me. Jason, when I started and was getting attention, I didn't know how to deal with it. I wanted to lift and that's it. As time went on I learned how to play my role of appealing to crowds and its more flattering now. I work hard for myself and also because people are looking at me. Young girls who are interested in the sport and people tooling with starting the sport. I wanna be that person to help lead them to powerlifting and show them its not scary or manly.

Q: When you re at the gym, the attractive girl lifting heavy weight, do you get a lot of attention that you have to try and block out?
A: You know, to be honest, when I am in the gym I have tunnel vision. If I am not in a heavy workout I say hi. But nobody approaches me during a workout. Its the same when I compete, I am not bothered. Afterwords a little bit or on Facebook, but when I am lifting no. Or if I do I don't even notice it.

Q: Is there a lift you think you excel at or enjoy most?
A: Oh yea, the deadlift. I love the deadlift. Its my best lift, I like it best. Squats you have to think about form and it takes tweaking. Bench, if it didn't exist I would have a problem. But I love the deadlift because I feel like all my anger and aggression I can get out. All you do is pull dead weight. You have to have the right form but its not as much finesse as squatting or benching. Its such a rush. I have goals in deadift, I wish I didn't have so many haha. But I love it.

Q: If someone younger was interested in getting started, what advice would you give?
A: I help a lot of beginners. You have to do what makes you happy. If that means blocking out people around you, so be it. Be yourself in any sport and be the best you can at being yourself. Keep at it, it wont come over night or in a year. Its hard work but its fun and rewarding work.

Q: When I have put pictures of you on my fan page, people make comments about how they love you or are a fan. Do you enjoy being kind of a role model for other girls in the sport?
A: I enjoy it and its scary at the same time. I'm just a human being, I don't wanna be on a pedestal. It's nice to be looked at in a certain way, but I wish people knew me. I am just a normal person with good and bad days. Its extremely flattering and makes me work harder. I have the weight of people on me and wanna lift them up.

Q: You have done some photo shoots, is that something you enjoy?
A: I do actually. I am in Georgia this week and doing a shoot tomorrow. I feel like it shows another side of me that otherwise wouldn't be presented. My sport doesn't present it. I like edgy and artistic shoots. I like people seeing my in other ways than just lifting.


Q: Does it give you a chance to change that perception of female powerlifters?
A: Yeah, it makes people scratch their heads. I posted a picture of me with Annie Rivieccio and I don't follow bodybuilding so didn't know her. Here I am in Georgia hanging out with her. It's nice, I like the different context and being a little bit unpredictable.

Q: Anything you wanna add or anyone you wanna thank?
A: I wanna thank you for this opportunity. You've been there from the start when I was just getting going promoting myself. You really helped me and that's big, it gave me the confidence to go forward. I thank my boyfriend and gym and the guys there, Lou, Brendan, Dave, House of Pain, Brian Moss, RPS Powerlifting. I could go on and on, everyone who has helped me become better.

Michelle Brent Interview

Michelle Brent has been competing for several years in search of her pro card. It would be fair to say it is a pro card she has deserved to win on multiple occasions. Michelle Brent the bodybuilder is an amazing woman, but Michelle is equally amazing off the stage. That was reflected when she one the voting for Most Inspirational Bodybuilder on this blog. That inspiration is why I myself often wear my Team Brent shirt to the gym, because Michelle is very inspiring. Her physique, her attitude, her kindness, all things that are admirable. So this interview with Michelle is one I am very excited to present.

Q; Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: It was technically when I was a teenager because I was always athletic. I always wanted to be in sports. In high school we did a little bit of weight training. I really didn't get into the weight training part till I was in college. I was a Physical Education major so I had to do weight training and things. I got super serious as far as to compete in 1985. I saw it on TV, back then Rachel McClish and Cory Everson were starting. I said "wow, I really like that look". I knew I had an athletic body from my years with sports. So It was 1985 when I started serious training with the idea I wanted to compete from the get go.

Q: When you look back to the beginning, would you have ever imagined adding the size you added?
A: You know what? No, because I just didn't have this plan when I started. It was kinda like your situation, where I just wanted to lose some weight. I really started to get in shape and whatever muscle I had, I was fine with. But as the years progressed, I thought "o.k., that's where its going". I wasn't obsessed saying "I want to be this big and have this much muscle". It just gradually happened over the years.

Q: Recently you posted a picture from when you started competing. What keeps you going now, the desire to win that pro card, or just a love for the sport?
A: I think its a combination. Of course, that pro card dilemma I have been having. All these years its been the goal, and so many people are getting it. People say "Oh Michelle you are a pro in our eyes, you are so professional". But its that goal, I always wanted to be a pro athlete of some sort. Its a combination, I am not gonna lie I want that pro card, but I love to compete, the theatrical part of it, helping people, so its a combination.

Q: Last year at Masters Nationals you took third and fourth at light heavyweight. To me, it was two years in a row at Masters where you could have won your pro card. Did you feel you had a shot?
A: Last year I felt I did because the year before at North Americans I finally won the thirty-five and over and the open, but no pro card cause you have to win the overall. So I felt I had a shot going in, but it was weird. During the prep I wasn't feeling it, so I went in hoping to get it, but when I was called third and fourth I was kinda o.k. with it. The whole prep last year I felt I didn't give one hundred percent. SO I was o.k. with what happened.

Q: At North Americans you were heavyweight, was that the plan, or just what you ended up weighing?
A: Two years ago at Masters I planned to be heavyweight cause some people said "Michelle, you are killing yourself, you have the muscle mass, you can be a heavyweight". I always fought the heavyweight thing because with my eight and structure that I didn't feel it was good. Last yea I just went in and wanted to do the show with my husband cause he couldn't do Masters because he had a leg injury. We do it as a team. So I gave North Americans a try and didn't worry about weight. I knew with the competition I needed to be more of a solid heavyweight. The Canadians came in and blasted through and it was great.

Q: At Nationals you took tenth, safe to say you weren't happy with that?
A: Oh boy Jason, I figured at my age, I really put the age card there and said "I'm fifty-four, I am gonna go for it, they have seen me, they know who I am." I hadn't done Nationals since 2003 I believe. I felt like I could go back to light heavyweight, be shredded and look my best. I didn't realize how differently they do judge. I had a little pow-wow with Anita Ramsey and Chris Szabo, Chris is a little younger but we concluded they wanted us to stay in the Masters divisions, they like that new talent a little more. I was happy the way I looked, I thought I looked awesome, my glutes were the best they have been. To get tenth I was like "wow, that's a message". But I had to let it go, I cant let it stay on my shoulders forever or it ruins who I am as an athlete.

Q: What do you want to improve on for 2012?
A: At this point in my career, twenty-six years with only three years I didn't compete, I wanna stay conditioned and full. Stay where I was, I don't wanna put on any muscle. I wanna do Team Universe because they put two Masters classes for pro cards available. perfect for me, no weight class. I am gonna be the best I can be with about the same amount of muscle. I like the size I have. Keep that positive attitude.

Q: A lot of people sort of have to go through prep alone cause people just don't understand it. When you compete with your husband, how much easier is it to have someone to go through it with you?
A: It makes it so much easier. I am very fortunate that my husband Bill is in the sport himself. With the support and him dieting with me, and living the life of eating good, we have our moments of course, everyone does, but it helps tremendously to have someone on your side who is totally in it with you.

Q: Anyone who has seen you on stage knows you are an amazing poser. Some people think you just get on stage and flex, can you explain how important posing actually is?
A: Oh my God, its very important. I have even come across like I have no practiced. If you don't display the posing the way you should and practice, it ruins a physique. We just had a seminar and talked about it. Everyone has to hit a pose a certain way to make their physique look the best. There is no set standard, I always thought there was, but now that physique has come along, I can see where even bodybuilders have to work at it. Its so important, you cant just get up there and do a little flex. Its part of the presentation.

Q: At the gym, women your size are rare, do you get a lot of stares and attention?
A: Haha I guess being in my gym here in Connecticut, they look. There is a lot of kid athletes, teenage athletes, and I get looks and everything. For the most part its positive. People leave me alone when I am training with Bill, but I have this personality that people wanna come ask questions or talk, and I do it, unless I am in the last two weeks of my prep. I have had positive feedback from people.

Q: In public are you more of a dress to show it off or cover it up person?
A: Haha I am a cover it up type person. Friends say "come on you work so hard". If its a moderate day I wear a little t-shirt, but I don't show it off often. I am like you, I hide it a lot. Unless at the Arnold's or something where everyone is in the same industry. For the most part, in the summer maybe I will wear shirts, but usually a half-sleeve shirt, never a tank top or anything.

Q: On my blog, you were voted Most Inspirational Bodybuilder. Does that mean something to you?
A: Its really cool, I think a lot of the ladies really love that and wanna be on that. A lot of times I don't think I am that well known. it makes me feel honored and motivated that I can inspire people. I am very appreciative.

Q: Cant do this without talking about your cookies, Michelle's Magic Morsels. I once said to someone "They aren't the best protein cookies, they are the best cookies period". How did you start those?
A: It was a long time ago. Back in California, protein bars were getting popular and I think in 2000 the Tri-o-Plex cookies were out there. I worked in a cookie bakery and felt I could do that. I had closed my gym and worked at Gold's and had extra time. I brought them to bodybuilding shows to see if people liked them. Now I wanna decide how big I want it to be. It has that personal touch, and I already did big business with the gym. I like my little niche.


Q: Anything you want to add?
A: Just that everyone has to be true to themselves in fitness and bodybuilding. Be true to yourself, love it, don't go out there and say "I want that pro card so bad. I will get that pro card in a year or two". Just be true to yourself and dedicated. Love it and have fun. its hard in this sport but do it and inspire. For instance a man yesterday, I was doing legs and he was watching and said "can I ask a question". I said "o.k.", and he said "can you do my workout for me". It was so cute. Helping inspire people makes me feel so good. If I can touch one person a week It makes me feel really good.

Angelique Costa Interview

Angelique Costa, as you will read, started out in Figure. She went to Bikini while trying to build and move back to Figure. After coming close to pro card in 2010, she was not as close in 2011, although I feel she placed much lower in shows than she should have. She is now ready to switch back to Figure in an attempt to achieve her dream of an IFBB Pro card. You cant question Angelique's desire, determination and hard work, and therefor it's hard to doubt she will reach that dream.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I saw a Ms. Fitness America on ESPN in 2000. I thought it was amazing what they did. They were doing their gymnastics and looked amazing. I was going for my Masters and wanted to do something competitive. I was a competitive cheerleader in college and was looking for something I could do once cheerleading was over. It seemed like a logical next step, where I could compete in fitness. I played sports in high school but never carried it on. So I saw it and said it was exactly what I anted to do. I found a trainer in a gym who was a competitive bodybuilder. She took me under her wing and strained me. We were gonna do figure because I didn't have the money or acrobatic skills needed for fitness. I thought the women were phenomenal. I loved their shape, I love muscle on women, and it was beautiful and inspired me so much.

Q: So how did you end up in bikini and not figure?
A: I started in figure. My first show was May 2008 and was in Germany. I did well and took fourth in my first show and second in my second show. I thought I was great for figure and placed accordingly. But when I moved back to the States in 2009 and did my first show, I was seventh place and felt blown away. I was disappointed and thought the size of the women was bigger than me at the time. So the same women who had taken me under her wing said "there is a new division called bikini, there have only been a couple shows. Give that a try till you put on more muscle." So I decided to try bikini. I had no clue what it was about, I just new I had to find a bikini, cause they were off the shelf back then, so I grabbed a $150 bikini and did the Atlantic States a week alter. I won my first show and was so excited cause it was a big show. I figured if I won in this I must have been meant for it. So I continued and was successful till last year and that's why I am changing this year.

Q: So for this year you are switching to figure?
A: Yeah, at my last show at Nationals I showed my coach my back development and suggested we try figure. When I first met her I asked her about it and she said "your personality and musculature are more for bikini". In 2010 my placing was top ten at every National show I did, and last year I did not place there at all. I tried to figure out what it was. Bikini is competitive and those girls bust their butts, but I felt I had reached the point where my body is finally maturing and I see more development in my quads, shoulders and arms. I wanna move forward and not stop training a part cause it gets to big. I wanna grow and be in whichever division my body has progressed to.

Q: A lot of people say after their first show, competing becomes an addiction, was that the case with you?
A: Yes! Well, the first time it was hard because even though I got fourth, it was also last. So I was left out of the night show. I was devastated because I had worked hard and felt I deserved better. I wasn't mad just upset. There were people backstage who saw I was upset and approached me and said "don't get down, you will do great, keep going". That's when I realized that as much as you are alone on stage, its not an individual sport. I got support from people I had never met before. They helped me with diet, understand what to do, where I went wrong. It was my first show and I learned off of youtube videos. For my second show I felt I got it right and was addicted after that.

Q: In 2011 you took second at the New York Metropolitans, in a situation like that are you happy you took second at a pretty big show or do you wonder what you needed to do to take first?
A: That show was interesting. I was one point away from first. So it coulda been a case of someone just not liking my hair or make-up. I was really pleased with how I looked and the caliber of women I was against to place that high. New York shows are a huge turnout and when I saw the scores I knew I was right there and couldn't be disappointed.

Q: After that you did Team Universe and Nationals, and didn't place as well, how disappointed were you?
A: Wow, after the Met, I really focused and trained harder than ever. I was so focused that it was my show, it was finally my year. I looked my best ever. I stuck to my diet, cardio and training and gave it my all. I was really confused, I didn't know what to say. My coach said it was the best I ever looked. I guess it wasn't meant to be. That was the show where my coach had nothing to say, normally she does it I do something wrong. I asked several judges and none got back to me. It was so mysterious that I got no feed back as to what I did wrong. I am always looking for a reason. I always wanna know what I did wrong to get better. I like constructive criticism, you need it in this sport. I am fine with it. This show left me speechless. I was disappointed, but that's the sport. Keep moving on and give your best and your all. You have to come to peace with it, you cant change it, its out of your control.

Q: Now that you are switching to figure, do you know what show you want to do?
A: I have to work it out with my coach. I am in that growth period, you cant tell I am off season, I am close to stage weight, within seven pounds. But I am trying to put on mass. There are parts of me that are ready for figure, but I want to develop more shoulders and quads. I wanna do it right, when I focus on a show, it will be a National level show or at least a large qualifier, so I don't wanna be good, I wanna be great. I wanna show I belong. This will be the first time that I am going to take time to grow and focus on my body without tearing it down after a three month off season. I don't wanna rush into shows and hard diets and double cardio. Its a good time to focus and get developed where I need to. Its a good change of pace for me.

Q: How have you had to adjust your training?
A: I would say I lift heavier now with lower reps. I still have high rep days. My training varies all the time. Its all over the place, which I love. I changed my macros and protein consumption to grow. I am focusing more on being heavy. When I did bikini and did four shows a year it was always cardio making you tired and then super sets after super set, and its fine, but your body keeps breaking down and you don't get the fullness needed for figure. I still have intensity but also am able to have heavier weights with less sets, which I like.

Q: How important is a pro card to you?
A: It is my dream to be an IFBB pro, doesn't matter which division. It is one of my life's goals. Its not the piece of paper, its what it stands for. It stands for doing something to be the best. Its the logical thing, to give it your heart and soul and passion and want to be the best. To be the best you have to do what it takes. In this industry it takes being in front of the right people at the right time with the right body, and have them say she deserves to be a pro. That's it for me. It represents being the pinnacle of your sport, like being a pro baseball player or golfer. Its not just a hobby, its my passion in life to be fit and healthy, but not just fit and healthy to the average person, but to be the best at what you do.

Q: Do you get a lot of unwanted attention at the gym?
A: My gym is interesting. I call it the zoo because there are so many characters. I am there to work. I go in, go to the locker room, put in my headphones and get in the mode. I put my head down and give it my all. I don't even make eye contact cause I am so focused. I have had occasions where someone stops me and says "hey you look great", but I don't carry the conversation long. I am not there to socialize and try and make it a point to put this don't bother me face on. I look angry and aggressive haha. I have one person I talk to, if I talk to everyone I won't get my workout done.

Q: Do you think people still have a misconception that bikini girls don't train hard?
A: Well, I think sometimes a few words can change opinions. At North Americans I heard a couple girls say "I just did a couple workout videos, I didn't even diet", so it depends on what you hear. If someone hears that they think bikini girls don't train hard. I think what happens is, and I read this in the forums, people think bikini girls don't train hard. If you research or talk to a pro, they will tell you they train hard. Some bodybuilders get offended cause they can only do a couple shows a year, because they have to diet down for a long time because they spend a lot of time putting on mass, so I think its a misconception. Everyone trains hard, but they have different methods on how they train. In the Air Force Reserve, I trained hard, and this is the hardest thing I have done. I took tests for Federal Government Agencies, and I have done very well. Everyone spends hours in the gym working on their physique. Yes, some girls maybe they have it without training hard, but I know I have to push myself hard because I am naturally very thin, so I have to work hard and eat right to put on muscle. Maybe some can do it without training, but it doesn't represent National level or pro girls. They are in their twice a day doing cardio and lifting hard. A Bombshell camp is hard. It depends on who you talk to that forms your opinion. Everyone I know trains hard for it.

Q: Anyone you wanna thank or mention?
A: I have a lot of support from Facebook and fans and followers on twitter. My coach Shannon Dey, Team Bombshell, Layne Norton is a huge inspiration. My family and friends, and anyone who has been there for me. The people I met in the Military who supported me. Anyone wherever said a wonderful comment about how I inspired them. That's my real fulfillment. If I can inspire someone it makes me feel I am doing my job on this earth. So when I get a comment like that, I feel grateful. It is hard to find someone who believes in you one hundred percent, anyone who is on a hard journey like competing in fitness knows half the drive comes from who supports you and is there for you. Thanks all the fans and supporters who keep the sport alive and support it. Without you, this means nothing.

Amanda Gail Interview

Amanda Gail is one of my absolutely favorite people I have gotten to know since starting my blog. From my first interview with her, to meeting her at the 2010 Arnold's (and laughing as some guy tried to hit on her), to getting to have a nice talk with her at the 2011 Arnold's, Amanda has always been super nice. Amanda shows the is more than the beautiful girl on stage.... much much more. Amanda is one of those people you don't have to have ever seen train to know she trains as hard as anyone. In this interview she talks about not competing this year, but plans to return in 2013 and talks of switching from Bikini to Figure, which I think is a very wise idea. So in 2013, watch out, because Amanda has already looked amazing on stage, but imagine how much more amazing she will look in a division her body is more suited for.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: Back in the day, I was in seventh grade and we started to learn how to weight lift properly in PE. We did these little races to see how many we could do and I was always beating the boys. It was more competitive to me. It was something I stuck with. Every time we moved I would go and find a gym. I am thankful cause my body has built up muscle mass and when I take time off its easier to keep my physique, which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't started so young.

Q: When and why did you decide to compete?
A: I think I was nineteen. I was approached at a gym I was working at. I was into modeling and acting and sports in high school. I didn't know how to keep that competitive force going and stay in modeling and acting. I lived somewhere were I couldn't do much in acting so someone said to get into fitness routines cause I was athletic and had been in the gym so long. So I started training to compete and ended up getting married and then getting pregnant so I had to put that on hold. Then I got back on the train and got pregnant again so I couldn't compete. It kept happening,and I was like "great, something will happen, I will have a baby". Three months after my second kid I ended up getting on stage and have been hooked ever since. That was 2006.

Q: A lot of people say after competing the first time they become addicted. Was that the case with you?
A: Yeah. For some people I have noticed they place well and get excited "oh yeah I won, I can do this again", or if you don't do well its motivation to do better. It is that feeling of adrenaline and motivation, you want that again. You might not win much, its more of a hobby, you don't make much money, but its that feeling of preparation and accomplishment.

Q: I can never see the word Zumba without thinking of you. Can you explain what Zumba is?
A: Zumba, I can sum it up in one word, party. Zumba is a party. You go in, you accidentally workout. Its a group fitness class, but you are dancing,e very song is different like a club. The person instructing is like your D.J.. You just follow that person or do your own thing, we just want you to move and have fun. Its a full body workout and is high intensity, however anyone can do it. It's not something where there is rules. You do the class often and catch on and see results if you stick with it.

Q: Is it something that is of benefit to people who compete?
A: Actually I have heard of a few competitors who use it for cardio sessions sometime. I think its a great way to get cardio in. If I have to get on a treadmill or elliptical, it kills me because it gets boring. I would rather do two hours of Zumba a day, and feel like my bod works more and I am more motivated then doing an elliptical for thirty-five minutes. I think its very beneficial for someone getting ready to compete because you are gonna work harder.


Q: What do you enjoy about coaching or training people?
A: You are helping people. A lot of times you go in to train or teach someone and its not about you, its for them. What I get out of it is I am helping someone using my tools because I have been in the situation where you want someone to tell you instead of using trial and error. I know they have someone to help and encourage them. When I was pregnant and didn't know how to train, no one would help me, so that feeling of helping someone get through that is what I get out of it.

Q: When people come to you, whats the usual biggest problem they have? Is it learning how to eat right?
A: The number one problem is eating. Eating is the biggest part of it. Its eighty percent diet and the rest is your workout routine. When you work with somebody you cant control what they put in their mouth and that's tough because you can tell them but it doesn't mean its what they will do.

Q: You did two shows in 2011 correct?
A: Yeah, it was my slowest year. I did the Arnold's and the Supershow of Champions. I also did the Olympia Bikini Search.

Q: How satisfied were you with how you did in 2011?
A: Personally at the Arnold's I feel I did my best. It was the best I have looked, I was working with Kim Oddo. It was nice to just not have to think and just do it so I could focus on my clients. I think overall I did my best. When I stepped on stage at the Olympia, I didn't even train for that, I was going through the divorce and everything. I thought my physique was good enough to get up there.

Q: Do you plan to compete this year?
A: Not this year. 2013 I wanna come out with a bang, new name, everything. I have big plans for 2013.

Q: Are you sticking with bikini or maybe figure?
A: I think my physique is more figure. I wanna go into figure. I like bikini because its more versatile for jobs and advertising. Bikini girls work just as hard as figure girls. I like the bikini look Figure girls are sexy too but I like tight and tiny.

Q: I myself think you have the look for figure, but why do you think it? Maybe the extra muscle?
A: I think so. I think I hold more muscle mass and my waist line is larger. Its harder for me to get that itty bitty waist they want in bikini. I can build my shoulders and lats to give that illusion if I am in figure. So I have more to work with in figure.

Q: Do you need a pro card or are you satisfied just competing and if the pro card happens it happens?
A: I have thought about that alot. I am satisfied with whatever happens. Before, it was about being determined to get my pro card. But in the end does it matter? The purpose isn't for a pro card, its personally reasons, to work as hard as I can, to motivate women, show women how strong you can be, and get up there and show what you have worked for. I would like to place a little better. I'm not gonna lie, it brings you down every time you get up there and think maybe this time you will get top five. That cant be my goal at this point.

Q: When you are at the gym, you are attractive, do you get a lot of unwanted attention?
A: Right now, the gym I am at is a fighting gym, so I o a lot of boxing, and its a small community and everyone knows me. They aren't like that, maybe at another gym it would be a different story, but right now everyone is like brothers and sisters.

Q: Recently I saw a bodybuilder write that she takes offense when bikini competitors talk about how hard they train. Does stuff like that bother you or do you not care?
A: Everyone has their opinion, and until you have been in someone elses shoes, its harder to keep your mouth shut or respect someone. I really don't care when people say stuff like that. If she were to train like a bikini girl she might have a different perspective. I used to think bikini training would be easier and I was wrong. After doing bikini training it was tough. You still train hard. Might not be as heavy lifting, but it is tough.

Q: Anything you want to add or anyone you want to thank?
A: I just signed up with Star Chem Labs now and am really excited. Huge thank you to them because going to a new company I didn't know if it would be an option. I though maybe my career is finished, so huge thanks to them for supporting me and everything I am going through in my life. I wanna thank you to cause you have been there since the Arnold's in 2010. I have seen your entire physique change. You don't even look like the same person. You worked your ass off and I admire you so much.

Kaitlin Young Interview

Anytime I can interview Kaitlin Young, its a huge deal for me. Kaitlin is the reason I became such a big women's MMA fan. I just loved watching her fight. Getting to know her, I learned he is an awesome person. After a bit of a losing streak, Kaitlin will bring a two fight winning streak into her fight with Leslie Smith at the debut card from Invicta. On a night filled with talented female fighters, don't be surprised if Kaitlin makes a big statement and shows her name belongs up there with the top fighters in her weight class.

Q: As a female fighter, what does being on a card like Invicta mean to you?
A: Its such an amazing opportunity. I think its gonna be cool to fight on a card with so many talented fighters. The level of professionalism coming from Janet Martin and Shannon Knapp has been incredible. It's really awesome. They are doing the little things to go the extra mile. Little things like direct flights haha, has been really nice. They are super professional. A month out and we already have our flight info, it's great.

Q: With the right people behind it, like Janet and Shannon, can an all female promotion have long term success?
A: I believe so. I think Shannon touched on this in an interview, she said it's not a secret that female fighters who are ranked high don't make as much as male fighters. I think what Invicta can do, is they have a lot of female fighters with good name recognition who have fought on tv. Some have been in the sport a long time, you have Marloes Coenen, Liz Carmouche coming in from Strikeforce, tons of them. I think a promotion starting out, if you took a male fighter with the same recognition as some of the women, you would have to pay more to be competitive with a Strikeforce or a Pro Elite, to get that person on your card. But you can get that name recognition in women who will get you ticket sales and views and good sponsorship. They will be able to spend less to get the same type of viewership. It gives them a benefit. They can still pay the females well compared to what the big shows will pay them.

Q: You had a bit of a losing streak, but have won two in a row after beating Anna Barrone in January, does that make you feel you are back on track?
A: Yeah, I've felt that way for awhile. I have a win that no one is aware of which is fine, and I won a Thai Boxing fight during that time. So it looks like a five fight losing streak, its actually four. But yeah, I feel like a different fighter at this point, a much more experienced fighter.

Q: When you are on a losing streak can it have a big affect on your confidence?
A: Yeah, it did for sure. I think there were a couple fights I lost because of my mentality than other factors. That's not to take away from my opponents. I think it can have a big affect, so its important when you are in that situation to get rid of anyone in your camp or life who is contributing negative energy. Someone who makes cracks about something in your game not being good enough. That's not to say you don't want positive criticism, but people who act as though they are on your side but are rooting against you, need to be booted from your camp.

Q: You are fighting Leslie Smith, what do you know about her?
A: She's 5'9", which is tall for a 135, but we are about the same height, so it will be interesting. Almost everyone I have fought has been shorter. She has a pretty expensive Thai Boxing background.

Q: Her record I have seen 2-2 or 3-2, but with two wins over the same girl, is it fare to say you are a big step up in competition for her?
A: I think that's fare to say.

Q: Could the pressure of it get to her?
A: She fought Kerry Vera and went all three rounds I believe, so she has had pressure before. So I don't feel it will be a huge thing. I am really hoping I get the best Leslie Smith I can have.

Q: With so many females, is their a part of you that wants to put on an impressive show, kind of steal the show and be the person everyone is talking about afterwords?
A: Oh absolutely. I really hope to make a big impression with this fight.

Q: Where do you feel you hold the biggest advantage?
A: I guess we both have a similar striking background, but I feel I hold an advantage in athleticism. I feel I am a little faster and stronger than her. We will see when we are in there. A lot of times you get in and realize things are different than you first assumed, but it seems that way to me.

Q: What about her poses the biggest threat to you?
A: She is pretty good at striking from a distance, using her range. her movement is a little unorthodox. The other benefit is their isn't much tape on her. She has been in Thailand so she could have a whole new bag of tricks that I haven't seen. Being under the radar can be a positive for her.

Q: Very few fighters come in in the shape you do. If it goes three rounds, does your condition give you an advantage in that third round?
A: I think so. I am doing everything I can to be ready for this fight. I feel confident going in that there is nothing more I can do. So fifteen minutes compared to my training schedule seems short haha.

Q: Is there a key for you to winning this fight?
A: This is gonna sound vague, but I think sticking to my game plan and imposing my will. Not let it turn into her fight at her range. Keeping the fight in my rhythm.

Q: Do you have a prediction?
A: No I don't. I'm sorry haha, but I really don't.

Q: After this, any idea what you want next or just focusing on this?
A: I haven't looked into anything after this. I don't know. I wanna keep moving, have tough fights, but its kind of uncertain what is gonna happen with the women's division. I have to be a conspiracy theorist, but I think its fascinating Maura Ranallo is coming to announce and Stitch Duran to do cuts. I would love to fight for Invicta again, but every female will be trying to fight for them. I just wanna stay active.

Q: Is there anyone on this card you look forward to watching?
A: The three fights after mine I am excited for. I can hang out and eat donuts and watch. I am excited to see Liz and Marloes fight.

Q: Anyone you wanna thank?
A: Absolutely! Gamebred Fightwear, Intimidation Clothing, Ethic Fight Co., Greg Nelson, Ryan Murray, Nat McIntyre and all my teammates at the Academy, Robert Brant, Matt Miller at Horsepower Strength and Conditioning. And thank you Jason.

Jessica Phlippus Interview

April 28th will not only be the debut card from Invicta, it will also be the pro debut of the fighter who one this blog's voting for Amateur Fighter of the Year in 2010 and Best Representative For the Sport in 2011, Jessica Philippus when she takes on Meghan Wright. Jessica always brings an exciting style to the cage and no doubt she will this time also. For young fighters, Jessica is always one of the first people I recommend they learn from as she is really a role model for young up and comers. Here is my interview with Jessica about Invicta and more.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the sport?
A: Yeah, a couple years ago I went to a small local event. There were some girls on the undercard. It was horrendous, like a glorified catfight in a cage basically. I remember it was so bad I had to look away. I was like "I gotta do this, this is ripe for the picking". So I started getting serious in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo type stuff and competing in tournaments and what not. I did that for six months before I took a fight with Barb Honchak. This was before I understood the concept. She was 7-1, and my only reference was wrestling and I was like "great she's won seven and lost one, doesn't sound like she has much experience". So I took it, no big deal haha, bad idea. But I am glad I took it in the long run, it was the best thing that could have happened. Took me about ten months to get the courage to get back in the cage, but its been good since then.

Q: Not that my blog is the hugest thing in the world, but I do my awards every year, and you were voted as Best Representative for the Sport. Does it mean something to you that so many people would vote for you?
A: Absolutely! I was honored just to be nominated because the girls I was up against are veterans of the sport and here I was pregnant and an ammy fighter at the time. It was a huge honor, for one, that I was able to stay active in the community while pregnant, and have enough respect from people they would vote for me. I think its one of the greatest honors. The year before I won Amateur Fighter of the Year and that was awesome to me, but Best Representative is more well rounded and something I need to remember when I want to rant on Facebook or use the occasional swear word on Twitter. I need to remember that there are people who think I am worthy of that award and need to keep in my mind. I think your blog is great and your Facebook page has a ridiculous amount of traffic, so its not like its not a big deal. I think its a big deal and reaches a broad range of people.

Q: You mentioned being pregnant, how hard is it to balance training with such a young child?
A: It's been a challenge. But it's not challenging in the way most people would use as an excuse like not having a babysitter. I was just at practice for three and a half hours with two kids. I had to stop and see her an hour into it and in between rounds help Robbie with homework. You make it happen. You can use it as an excuse for not reaching your dreams and goals, and don't get me wrong, the though has crossed my mind "This is crazy, I can't do this", and then I realize how many people look up to me and little girls and their parents think I am great. Just like a lot of reporters and people who wanna see me fight again, I can't let them down, I can't let my friends and self down. it's been hard, my weight has been more of an obstacle than the training itself. I just take her and she sleeps or sits and watches. But I am breast feeding so finding the balance between feeding my body, feeding her, cutting weight.... I have seeked some help but no one knows. Lactation consultants think i am crazy and don't understand fighting and cutting weight. I used Miesha's nutritionist, but I lost nothing, maybe I cut too much fat to soon. Its been a nightmare to say the least, but I have never not made weight and wont start now.

Q: I have done over six hundred interviews and that's the first time anyone said breast feeding or lactating.
A: Haha, it's a rewarding experience haha.

Q: Your next fight is for Invicta, how exciting is it to be on a female card like this?
A: it's hard to wrap my mind around how cool it is. They made room for me, they had their fights planned and then squeezed me in. They said "are you sure you wanna do this so soon, we really wanna have you.". It's right here in Kansas City, and I was like "I gotta make that happen." I have only fought remotely close to home once so people can come see, so its a big deal to me. Its pretty monumental ow many eyes are on this. That's stressing me out haha, its not some random card. I was gonna fight Meghan in Ohio before I got pregnant. No one would have known or came, wouldn't have been a big deal, with this, everyone will be watching, so I am excited. Its historical and close to home.

Q: This is your pro debut, did you already want to go pro, or could you just not pass up an opportunity like this?
A: It's a little of both. I was gonna go pro last May. I accepted the fight May 14th and then May 15th found out I was pregnant haha. It was on the horizon. I was gonna fight against someone last April and that fell out. I was still working and couldn't decide whether to go pro before getting pregnant or get pregnant, take an ammy fight and then go pro. So was this the way I planned it? No, but I knew I was at the end of my ammy career. I actually set up a fight I have wanted for April 17th, then this came about and I couldn't say no. It pains my heart I can't fight that one girl, she is my arch nemesis.

Q: You are fighting Meghan Wright, what do you know about her?
A: knew of her before when i accepted the fight previously. Sarah Goodlaxson knows her and said it would be a good pro debut because of how we match up stylistically. But I don't know. Sarah and I were talking, with Sarah, my game plan was specific, but this time I am preparing to be a savage. She asked my game plan and I said I was gonna go tear shit up. That is my plan, what I am gonna do. Someone said there is a video of her doing mitts, but I could care less. It's weird, I am preparing for my fight not hers, so I don't care, if that makes sense.

Q: Everyone thinks of you as a Wrestler, do you think people come in and don't realize you can actually stand?
A: Yeah, and I think that happened last time with Sarah. It was really funny, we had the coolest conversation that two fighters could have a couple weeks ago. We talked about that we were thinking when we fought each other. She said "I was so mad when you kicked me, because it threw me off, I was not planning for any kicks" haha. She was just planning Judo and Wrestling and stuff. I knew in the back of my head she was planning for a wrestler, and leading up, everyone knew her as a scrappy little stand-up fighter and me as a ground girl, and in the fight we switched rolls. I think it was cool and said something that I will stand and bang, and am also comfortable taking it to the ground. I was a decent wrestler, I was not the best wrestler ever. I was mediocre at best. But I have a tremendous amount of heart, and that's whats carried me so far. So if people wanna plan for a straight wrestler, you are probably planning for the wrong fight.

Q: Hard to say when you don't know much about her, but is there a key to winning this fight?
A: Stick to my game plan of tearing shit up haha.Keep the pressure on her. I'm going to fight my fight not fight reactive to her game plan. That's my best way to win, be proactive not reactive.

Q: Do you wanna make a prediction?
A: I don't know, I feel like my tear shit up game plan might correspond with strikes, ground and pound. I'm not sure. I don't know if I am going for a submission or not. If something is wide open I will go for it, but its not my intention. I wanna put on a show, go out there and win an exciting fight.

Q: Any idea what you wanna do next or taking it one fight at a time?
A: On occasion I let myself think ahead, but right now if I don't focus on weigh-ins April 27th, I won't be focused. So task at hand is making weight, second task at hand is winning in a convincingly awesome fashion and then the next task is eating pizza afterwords. After that, maybe a little break per se. It's been a long nine or ten weeks.

Q: Can you explain what Wrslrchick is and why it's so important to you?
A: It came about because I help coach little girls. We have a summer camp at the college I wrestled at for kids eight to eighteen. That's how I got started. I coached little kids in high school but it was mostly boys. These girls, I love them to pieces. Then we had Club Wrestling during the year, we had a five year old girl that I had a hard time wrapping my mind around how awesome it was to be there for her. You told her to do something and she did it. She did exactly what you said and did it perfect. She loved wrestling and loved winning. The fact I can coach a little girl, I have to think the lady's my age who wrestled on all boys team and got their butts kicked and get beat up on, we did that for these girls and paved the way for them. That's what made me wanna do it. Its still a work in progress. We are not just a company that sells shirts. We have the occasional shirt, I try and sponsor a few fighters and try and help promote them. The little girls and parents I coach think I am a super hero cause I fight. its funny how they perceive me. So I wanted to give a platform for the wrestler girls who are now fighters and. I believe the little wrestler girls of today are your MMA stars of tomorrow and that's why I am still involved. That's another question I get, "Why are you doing this, still involved, if you don't wrestle anymore". Because I love women's MMA, I love MMA as a whole, but I really love women's MMA. I believe that little girl will be the next Miesha Tate or Marloes Coenen. We are paving the way for them. That's what wrslrchick is about, and we can have funny shirts to.


Q: Anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: My husband Robb because he puts up with me haha. This hasn't been a great time, going back to work, the baby, its been stressful. he fights to. He fought last weekend and had his first defeat, so we are dealing with booboo's right now. In the midst of this, he says "don't worry about me, we need you to be focused on you". He is my biggest cheerleader and coach. We have done this pretty much on our own. I travel to different gyms, like Grindhouse and Brian Davidson, and the girls who stay late or come in on weekends to train with me. The girls at Missouri Valley have been great to me. They only know MMA from tv so we formulate takedowns that could work in MMA. Sponsors, Wreslrchick, True Wrestler, my first sponsor, Molly and Slade at Tussle. You Jason for always helping get my name out there and my Twitter family.

Kate Cooper Interview

Since I myself started bodybuilding, Kate Cooper's physique has been one of the ones I most admired, especially her back. What I also admire is Kate has a passion for bodybuilding that is matched by few. After talking with her to do this interview, I realized just how passionate she is. Kate, as you will read, is driven by her goal of a pro card a pro card, I think she has long deserved. After some impressive finishes, let's hope this year is the year she gets that much deserved pro card. Make sure to visit her website www.kate-copperfbb.com

Q: Can you talk about what initially got you into the gym?
A: Actually, I have always wanted to build muscle from when I was very young. I am not sure why and where it came from, I wasn't athletic. When I finally got the chance to really devote time and energy and effort to building muscle, knowing I had an ability to, I was quick to get into bodybuilding. I was thirty-six at my first competition.

Q: You said the goal was to build muscle, but when you started, if someone told you that you would be at the point you are now, would you have believed it?
A: I don't know. It was certainly a goal of mine, so its not like it happened by mistake. I worked really hard to build the muscle I have and I had a vision in my head of what I wanted to accomplish. Did I think it was possible? Probably not. I started off really small and without much muscle, but I love lifting and lifting heavy. When I was first on stage in 2001 I weighed 112 pounds and my condition was not what it is now. It takes the body awhile to get better at bringing condition in. So when I am on stage now at 140 pounds or over, I am much leaner. So I have put on more than thirty pounds of muscle, and that took quite awhile.

Q: Bodybuilding is not the most common female sport. When you started to get bigger, did friends or family give any negative opinions on it?
A: Yeah, I think some people were probably surprised. When I started I was already starting to work as a trainer. So I was surrounded by people who understood it, even if they weren't bodybuilders themselves. I worked at a Gold's Gym originally so there were a lot of bodybuilders there. My family was supportive, but I think a little curious why I wanted to get bigger and bigger, because it isn't common with women and hadn't been common in my life. Even though it was something I always wanted to do, I didn't share it. My mother has been supportive of my bodybuilding but in the beginning she was a little curious about why I wanted to get considerably larger. People wanted me to continue to compete and enjoy what I do, but stay a lightweight. As I get larger and more successful and make it clear I enjoy this, all my friends and family have come around and been a great support.

Q: Was the goal always to compete or did that come later?
A: My absolute goal was to compete. I started lifting weights in high school, I wasn't into competing then but did wanna build muscle. But when I got back into the gym heavy duty, I knew I wanted to set my sights on getting on a stage and see if I liked it and how far it would go. It took a long time to have the time needed to dedicate to prepare to compete.

Q: I always thought in pictures and then saw in person, is you excel at posing. People with limited knowledge think you just get up there and flex, can you explain the importance of posing?
A: Posing is critical and not nearly as easy as some people make it look. And thank you, I take that as a huge compliment because I don't think of it as one of my forte's. I love to lift, love to build muscle, be in competition with myself. Bodybuilding isn't about being the biggest, its about balance and symmetry and shape, muscle to muscle, top to bottom and front to back. I like that part of it. Building my body in a specific way and trying to see where I need to improve. Posing is all about knowing how to pose your physique to the best of your ability. People have different attributes that are their best. You have to know how to present them and be able to flex everything all at once. For instance if a judge calls for a back double bicep, it isn't just about your biceps, you show everything, shoulders to biceps to forearms to lats to glutes, legs and calves. You have to decide which way to turn your knee and position your legs. There is a lot of consideration in posing. Its not just about lifting and dieting, its about posing posing posing. So when you are on stage you don't have to think, its just second nature. You have to hold a pose for a long time. Its like a workout on stage while depleted and hydrated.

Q: Last year you did Masters Nationals at light heavyweight and took first in over thirty-five and third in over forty-five. How satisfied were you?
A: I was satisfied I guess. I was pleased with my conditioning and changes from the previous year. I was happy with a first place but I believe I deserved one of the pro cards. I was surprised to be third in one class and first in the other since most of the competitors were the same people and I showed myself well. Were I failed myself was my overall conditioning. My legs did not come in how I wanted. My legs are the last to come in and sometimes I struggle with them. It was my second year with George Farah as my conditioning and nutrition coach. It takes a coach time to figure out how you respond to things and we were struggling the last few days as my legs didn't come in as dry as he wanted. We are approaching it different now because he knows better how I respond. At USA's last year a week later, I was a little heavier but my conditioning was better. I was dryer and tighter.

Q: That leads to my next question. At USA's you were heavyweight. Was that a plan or did it just happen to be what you weighed in at?
A: Basically its just how it turned out. I weighed in at Masters at barely 139 so if I gained a pound I would be heavyweight. We knew my conditioning was off at Master's, meaning I lost some fullness in my muscles so I looked a little soft because I lost muscle size. I needed to refill and not let it bleed over to water retention or bloating. SO I wasn't surprised I was heavyweight but it was only three or four pounds different because I weighed around 143.

Q: Granted I wasn't there, but from pictures, I would have put you first. Is it frustrating to be so close to winning?
A: Yeah its frustrating. For some people it sounds like sour grapes when you say you should have won. But its frustrating when you think you out shown someone else, you put in all the work and your size and shape beat someone else and you didn't get the credit for it. You put in that much time and effort and then have to start all over again for the next one. My dream has been to be a pro in the sport, and I work hard to deserve it. I don't just want the recognition, I want to deserve it. From what I understand from people high in the industry, they were surprised I didn't win last year. Its not just random fans, but people who have an eye and been in the industry a long time who tell me they don't know what happened and they felt I had it. But it happens to us in the sport. Its so subjective so all I can do is bring my best package and hopefully get a pro card.

Q: You kind of just answered this, but, I am no expert but I have a decent knowledge. I have felt you deserved your pro card already. Why is a pro card so important to you?
A: Recognition. Unfortunately in female bodybuilding, there isn't much of a financial pay-off. Even for pros, the pay-ff is small compared to the men side. So the only satisfaction or reward is being recognized for having accomplished something. My reward would be to be recognized as being pro quality and competing at that new level. I would love to be compared with the best and see where I fall. At a National level we are kept back to a degree and can only get to a certain level. BY the time we get to pro, its a different level of size that's accepted or rewarded so I could take my physique to a newer better level and be judged more favorably at the pro level.

Q: One thing I've always loved is your back. Can you describe a typical back workout for you?
A: I don't think I have a typical anything. I like to do different things. This isn't how I would start a beginner, but I am at the level were I try to confuse my system. I use a variety of exercises that work for me and I have gotten results from. I never do anything twice in the same order. Some of my best or favorites would be, partial deadlifts, which I can do heavy or lighter to end a workout to create more definition, I like to do pull downs more than pull ups with a variety of grips. T-bar rows, one arm dumbbell rows. I always liked working back. I can feel it a sense it. It was one of my first parts to develop for me. It came without a lot of conscious effort as opposed to other parts.

Q: Girls your size are rare, in the gym, do you get a lot of unwanted attention?
A: Not to much anymore because I have my own gym. People know me and I am there every day and we are small. I have a small gym in a small town. I do gets looks walking around town, especially as I get closer to competing, as the muscle gets more obvious and the conditioning comes in. I get some positive attention from strangers and some curious attention from people not familiar with female bodybuilders. There aren't many of us so its an unusual site. When I am working out, clients and gym members are used to me.

Q: In public do you dress more to show it off or cover it up?
A: On a daily basis I definitely dress down. I like to be comfy, for me that's jeans and a tank-top. So my upper body tends to show a bit, but its cause I live in Arizona where its warm and dry and I like some air flow. I am not a shorts person. I do it for myself and the sport, not to get attention in public. I like to stay in the background, and its hard enough even in baggy close.

Q: This year are you planning for the same shows as last year?
A: I plan at this point to do USA's. Its closer for me so less stress travel and financial wise. So we are shooting for walking way with one of the two pro cards.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: There are a lot of people to thank. People forget or don't know it takes a team to make one good bodybuilder. My nutrition coach George Farah is instrumental in getting me ready and encouraging me. Charles Glass has been an on and off trainer because its long distance, but whenever I need a hands on trainer I can rely on him and consider him a close personal friend. He always encourages me. My boyfriend Larry, if it weren't for him I couldn't do this. For anyone who lives with a bodybuilder, its a difficult lifestyle. We are committed to what we do, so its not a lot of eating out or staying out late, when you have to get up early to train and eat a specific way. He is there to spot me and be a second eye and encourage me. Also my massage therapist and chiropractors. They all pitch in. And my fans, they don't realize how much it means to us and helps motivate us to do what we do.